Third Person POVThe council hall was tense even before the meeting began. The double doors opened from both ends of the chamber, and Robert entered with the Alphas of the Northern packs at his back. Carlton entered from the opposite side, flanked by his own men. And neither side acknowledged the other.The council members began arriving, taking their seats at the long table in the center. There was obvious grudges in the air and the older men in the room cleared their throats hoping to ease the tension. “We’re gathered again to address the issues between the Kings of Northvale and Southvale," the oldest began. “We will now listen to both parties to plead their case.”Carlton was the first to speak immediately the floor was opened. He stood, resting both hands on the table.“My son still lies in a coma because of Robert’s son,” he said, pointing his finger at Robert who was wearing a straight face. “The evil boy didn’t just attack my son. He meant to kill him. And while my child figh
KADE’S POVI couldn’t be more thankful for having someone like Blair beside me. She wasn’t doing well herself, but she was stubborn about staying close, refusing to leave even when her own body was clearly begging for rest.She even cracked jokes just to keep me entertained, like she was on a mission to make sure I didn’t fade into my own thoughts. I tried to come up with riddles of my own, even though every word left me a little weaker, because I didn’t want it to seem like I was just lying here taking from her without giving anything back. I needed her to know I saw how much she was doing for me.When she finally gave in and agreed to change into something clean, the door opened and her mother walked in. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but warmth wasn’t high on the list. I’d pictured cold words, maybe even that usual look in her eyes that could slice a person to size in seconds. But… she didn’t look like that at all.She paused just inside the doorway, her gaze landing on me. There wa
BLAIR’S POVFeeling stronger, I pushed myself out of the clinic bed the moment I could and went straight to see Kade. The sight of him lying there, still unconscious, made something twist hard inside me. I couldn’t think straight for hours, pacing, sitting, pacing again, until I finally decided I wouldn’t leave his side until he opened his eyes.Mom tried to reassure me over and over, saying he was in the best hands, but it didn’t matter. My heart wouldn’t settle. I knew my body still needed rest, but how could I lie in bed knowing Kade hadn’t woken up?The doctor came in several times, urging me to go back and recover, but I refused. My place was here. If Kade could fight through the pain, I could fight through the fatigue.I dragged a hard wooden chair so close to his bed it pressed against the frame. I held his hand tightly, almost desperately, afraid that if I let go for even a second, he might slip away. Just the thought of it filled my chest with dread. But I didn’t lose hope. I
Blair’s POVThe ride home felt endless, every bump in the road making me grip Kade’s hand tighter. My eyes stayed on his chest, silently counting each breath, terrified one might be his last.When the car finally stopped in front of Robert’s house, the doors swung open and my mother came running out. Relief and shock lit her face until she saw Kade.She froze mid-step, eyes widening. “Oh, Moon Goddess…” Her voice broke into a strangled cry before she screamed, “Help! Somebody help him!”Robert was already barking orders. “Get the medics here now!”Men rushed forward, pulling the door open and carefully lifting Kade out. I had to let go of his hand, and the sudden emptiness in mine made my chest ache.Robert stepped down and reached for me. His grip was steady as he helped me out, but the moment my feet touched the ground, my mother was there wrapping me in her arms so tightly I could barely breathe.“Blair… my baby,” she whispered into my hair, her voice shaking. I clung to her, too c
Blair’s POVWhen the door slowly creaked open, I lifted my head, even though my neck ached from hours of holding Kade against me. For a second, I thought my mind was playing tricks on me. But then I saw Robert standing in the doorway, light spilling in behind him so bright it almost blinded me.I blinked again and again, trying to make sure he was real. He was. He rushed inside, dropped to his knees beside us, and reached for Kade, pressing two fingers against his neck to check for a pulse.“You’re really here,” I breathed, my voice breaking as tears filled my eyes.“He’s alive,” Robert said, still focused on Kade.When his gaze finally met mine, a wave of relief washed over me so strong it almost knocked the air from my lungs. “You found us,” I whispered, gripping his arm just to be sure he was real and not a dream.“You’re not leaving my sight,” Robert said firmly. That was all it took for my sobs to break free. I knew we were finally getting out of here.But then Carlton appeared i
THIRD POV Robert froze when a faint, trembling voice brushed against his mind.Blair?He didn’t move at first, his gaze fixed on the gates of Carlton’s estate as if the answer might be hiding there. His wolf stirred, ears pricking, alert.“Blair?” he called in his mind, hoping for any response.It came almost instantly.“It’s me.”His chest tightened. “Where are you?”“Inside Carlton’s estate. I don’t know how long we’ve been here, but we’re locked up. Kade’s hurt. Please, you have to help us.”Robert’s jaw flexed, and he started toward the gate, his steps slow and measured so the guards watching him wouldn’t catch on. “Kade is in there with you?”“Yes. He’s… Robert, he’s in bad shape. I think he’s dying.”The desperation in her voice shredded the little patience he had left. “How did this happen? I thought—” He cut himself off, swallowing the questions burning in his throat. There’d be time for that later. “Listen to me. Stay calm and keep talking to me. I’m going to get you out.”“